Spas are not typically known as being green with the amount of water and energy used in excess to offer ultimate relaxation for guests’, spas are now finding creative ways to “green” themselves that are not only great for the environment, but great for their bottom line as well.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is a rating system created by the U.S. Green Building Council to help companies design, build, and operate their structures more sustainably.

Certifications are awarded according to points earned for things such as, design, energy efficiency and water conservation. LEED certifications entail different levels of Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum in which only 118 buildings have received.

Here are a few spa pioneers whom have earned a LEED accolade and are setting a standard that other spas are soon to follow.

The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Is the country’s largest LEED-certified high-rise building. Set on the Las Vegas strip, this resort opened in 2008 boasting an eco-friendly spa, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub offers an assortment of innovative spa treatments such the 100 minute Neuromuscular Therapy. This treatment is aimed to relieve tension headaches, back pain, TMJ, restricted ranges of movement and other musculoskeletal conditions. The service is conducted by a trained neuromuscular therapist, which includes referrals so you can continue treatments when you return home. All treatments incorporate organic spa products as well.

Other novel features include a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, water efficient showers, and valet bicycle parking.

 

 

Avalon Hotel & Spa, Portland, Oregon

 

Oregon’s first Silver LEED certification was awarded to the Avalon Hotel & Spa last August because of its energy and water conservation, recycling, and ethical purchasing efforts. Other reasons to visit this boutique hotel on the Willamette River are for its wine bar, complimentary breakfast, and 30 treatment rooms with Spa Chakra services.

 

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia

The Callaway property sits on 13,000-acre preserve as a dedicated non-profit towards environmental education. The preserve consists of gardens, hiking trails and a butterfly pavilion. Receiving the title as a LEED certified property because it was built with recycled materials and has efficient plumbing, lighting, and air-filtration systems. The 13-treatment room spas uses natural, indigenous products inspired from the gardens that are on the property.

 

Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, American Canyon, California

The Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa was the first hotel to receive the country’s Gold LEED lodging certification. Housing 132-rooms with a spa that is inspired by the wine region it calls home, offering locally sourced grape seeds for scrubs treatments and a restaurant that features seasonal, local and organic produce.

Its unique features that made this property LEED certified are its skylights that are shaped like magnifying glasses to help light interiors and real-time display of the hotel’s energy use in the lobby.

 

Nusta Spa, Washington, D.C.

The Nusta Spa is the first Gold LEED certified urban day spa in the country. Known as the pioneer for “spa-greening” in an urban environment it received this certification from its energy and water-saving features and waste reduction strategies. Sourcing only organic products along with its signature skincare line that contains sustainable, organic ingredients.

 

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, Teton Village, Washington

The Hotel Terra has earned a Silver LEED certification by using an advanced water purification system that purifies wastewater and releases it back into the surrounding land, energy-saving fixtures, nontoxic paints and cleaning supplies. The Chill Spa offers organic and restorative treatments along with cotton robes and reusable water bottles for guests.

 

Other Spa’s that are in the process of gaining LEED certifications are:

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle Washington
Elaia Spa

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Colorado
Spa Anjali

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
Crystal Spa

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Spa at the Inn by the Sea

Cavallo Point – The Lodge at the Golden Gate, Sausalito, California
Cavallo Point Healing Arts Center & Spa

The Springs Resort and Spa, Pagosa Spring, Colorado
The Springs Spa & Salon

Bardessono, Yountville, California
Spa Therapy Center

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Enso Wellness Center & Day Spa: Opens for business

Enso Wellness Center & Day Spa opened for business on March 15th and will be celebrating their Grand Opening on Tuesday, May 12th. Enso provides a variety of therapeutic massage, spa services and more – all within a serene setting providing clients with a true escape. Owners Darcy & Michael Schwerin are ready and eager to provide superior service to their clients.

After time in Santa Fe, New Mexico Darcy and Michael have made their way back home to Wisconsin. “Bayfield has always been a very special place for us and the rest of our families. It is nice to be back home sharing our experiences with the community and helping create a balanced and healthy lifestyle,” explains Michael. Michael received his training from New Mexico Acadamy of Healing Arts, one of the leading massage therapy schools in the country. His training provides over 15 different treatment modalities ranging from deep tissue massage to lymphatic massage and craniosacral therapy. “Each client walks in with very specific needs. We work to be sure we are addressing those needs in a serene and calming setting,” explains Darcy. Darcy received her Esthetician certification from the Aveda Institute of Beauty & Wellness, providing superior training for spa treatments including facials, body treatments, waxing and makeup application.

Enso Wellness Center & Day Spa is also proud to be the first Travel Green Certified spa in northern Wisconsin. Travel Green is a voluntary program that certifies and recognizes tourism businesses throughout the State of Wisconsin that have made a commitment to reducing their environmental impact. Enso’s space has been designed using environmentally friendly materials, systems, green supplies and products for clients. “We have worked very hard to analyze our decisions based on cost, environmental impact and sustainability,” says Darcy Schwerin, “The beauty of this approach is that our clients experiences will be enhanced.”

Enso is also the perfect location for women’s retreat, wedding parties, corporate or group event. The spacious Gathering Room is available and Enso is more than happy to customize your their clients’ experience.

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Auberge Resorts today announced its companywide membership in the Green Spas Network, the premiere spa industry association dedicated to bringing greening and sustainability to the health, wellness and beauty community.  All of the spas at Auberge Resorts properties in Napa Valley, Southern California, Mexico and South Carolina, along with the first property under its new Solage brand, have joined the network.  With this move, Auberge Resorts becomes the first company in the hotel industry to make a corporate-level commitment to sustainable spa operations.

Auberge Resorts has been a supporter of the green spas movement since Tracy Lee, Vice President Spa Development and Operations, served on a sustainability task force for the International Spa Association (ISPA) three years ago and helped focus the industry on the need for greater environmental stewardship.  The Spa at Calistoga Ranch helped pioneer the Green Spa Network as one of the original “seed spas” in 2006 by participating in comprehensive eco audits, identifying and sharing best practices with other seed spas and the network’s leadership.  

At the same time, Auberge Resorts properties were incorporating a variety of green practices, not only in the spas, but also throughout the resorts.  All Auberge and Solage properties phased out harmful chemicals such as parabens and SLS from their signature bath amenities; switched exclusively to non-toxic cleaning products for housekeeping; introduced chlorine alternatives in swimming and spa pools; increased recycling and composting programs, among other initiatives. 

“Our belief in environmental stewardship and personal well-being has been part of the Auberge Resorts identity for many years,” said Lee. “Protecting the precious natural settings that surround our resorts, goes hand in hand with enhancing the quality of life for our guests and staff.  Supporting the Green Spa Network is a natural extension of the Auberge Resorts brand.”

As part of its commitment to the Green Spa Network, Auberge Resorts will help set the standards for environmentally sound spa practices by:

Providing and promoting earth-friendly products, services and business practices;
Networking and sharing environmental awareness, resources and inspiration and throughout the spa community; and
Sharing efforts with spa guests to raise their awareness of the connection between the wellbeing of guests, resort staff and the environment. 
 
About the Green Spas Network
The Green Spas Network, founded by Michael Stusser, founder of Northern California’s Osmosis Spa, was established to bring sustainable operating practices to the spa industry, and to promote the natural connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability, and the health of the planet.  Its goals are to bring sustainable practices to the spa industry, facilitate education, research and alliances in sustainable business practices, and promote the natural connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability and health of the planet.

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Niki Bryan “Leapfrogs” Spa Industry with Two US Firsts
 
Niki Bryan Spas – owners and operators of the Grand Floridian Spa at the Walt Disney World Resort, and operator of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Spa – has a reputation for pioneering change in the industry. This year the company is proudly making strides toward the future of eco-conscious products and treatments, introducing a new skincare brand and a new massage method to the US market.
 
“Given the increased awareness of our conscious spa-goers we have had to leapfrog the entire marketplace by ensuring that we have a healthier, cleaner skincare product line than anyone else in the industry, and that our treatments go well beyond the traditional fluff and buff often found in hotels and resorts and be Read more…

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Bellmoor Inn and Spa recognized as Delaware Green Lodging Hotel
Honored as first Green Hotel in Sussex County

The Bellmoor Inn and Spa of Rehoboth Beach was recognized today as the first hotel in Sussex County to receive Delaware Green Lodging certification. The announcement was made by Delaware Green Lodging partners – the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association.

Scott Thomas, director of Southern Delaware Tourism and a member of the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association, presented the Read more…

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New Greensboro Day Spa Offers Green, Family Appeal

In Italian, “sorella” means sister, so it’s not surprising that family plays a key role at Sorella Day Spa, which had its grand opening on September 23rd, at Westridge Square Shopping Center.

“We want to treat all of our staff and patrons as sisters treat each other,” explains proprietor Dao Truong, 26. The ambitious young businesswoman comes from a long line of entrepreneurs; her family has been in the beauty industry for 15 years and owns businesses in Hillsborough and Greensboro.

Inside the calming green interior of Sorella, it’s easy to imagine a mother and daughter settling side-by-side into the deep, cushioned pedicure chairs for relaxing footbaths and massages as part of the Like Mother Like Daughter spa package. Silver Nano tubs kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria on the surface of the tubs, Truong explains, just one of the many new spa technologies she incorporated when planning Sorella.

“I think we’re only the second place in town that has these,” she says.

The Bella Mama package treats mothers-to-be to prenatal massages, manicures, pedicures, and facials using products from Truong’s Green Spa collection, which offers certified organic, chemical free, petroleum-free, and paraben-free products.

“Especially good for pregnant ladies,” Truong adds. Jurlique, a company that uses biodynamic, sustainable farming practices, skin care products and Zoya formaldehyde-free nail polish are typically found in the high-class spas of New York and Las Vegas—two locations Truong visits to find new products for her spa.

She also looked to Italy and Europe for ideas. “I’ve always been inspired by these outdoor European spas, the nice destination health clubs,” she says. “I tried to make it as close to that as possible.”

Cool green tones, dark leather chairs, and minimalistic glass-bowl sinks give the spa a contemporary European feel. And delicate touches – silk-covered light shades and white silk orchids – add a subtle Asian elegance.

Truong’s goal is to make Sorella as inviting and environmentally-friendly as possible; she’s using less paper products, recycling whenever possible, and conserving energy by taking basic steps like unplugging and switching off equipment when not in use. It’s a simple, common-sense approach, one that her customers and the community will appreciate for years to come.

 

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 The Best of the Best

This beautiful glass statuette was give to all winners of the 2008 Skin Inc. magazine Best of the Best Awards.

2008 marked the third year that Skin Inc. magazine has been holding its Best of the Best Awards competition. This year, we reformulated the Industry award categories and added a voting process to increase reader involvement.

What a success this turned out to be! Nearly 100 spas submitted entries for the five categories and, of those, the top five entries in each category were determined by our panel of neutral industry experts. From there, we posted those top five on www.SkinInc.com, and invited all of our readers and Web users to vote for their top picks. More than 20,000 votes were received, showing the passion and dedication each of the winners and finalists offer. Plus, a significant portion of those people also lent their voices to nominating entries for the Supplier award categories.

Voting for both the Industry and Supplier sides closed on July 13, 2008, and, after much tabulating, those companies with the most votes were named the winners. By using this reader-driven voting system and your input, the Best of the Best Awards is the most unbiased, prestigious honor given in the industry today.
With that, I am proud to announce our 2008 Best of the Best Award Winners. Please note that our finalists are listed in alphabetical order.

Our congratulations go out to all of the above listed spas and companies—you are all winners. Your commitment and dedication to this industry is admirable. This year’s winners will receive a beautiful crystal award to display in their place of business, and all finalists will receive a frameable certificate to showcase their outstanding achievement.

Industry Winners
Best Spa Marketing Campaign
Winner: ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare, Pittsburgh
Finalist: CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, worldwide locations
Finalist: facelogic Spa, Clovis, California
Finalist: Red Mountain Spa, Ivins, Utah
Finalist: Tranquility Day Spa & Salon, Manassas, Virginia

Most Employee-friendly Spa
Winner: facelogic Spa, Clovis, California
Finalist: Arabella Vitall Day Spa, Puyallup, Washington
Finalist: Blue Water Spa, Raleigh, North Carolina
Finalist: Dolce & Companies Corporation, Chandler, Arizona
Finalist: Relâche Spa at Gaylord Opryland, Nashville, Tennessee

Best Medical Spa
Winner: Body Perfect LLC, Springfield, Illinois
Finalist: De Paola Lowrance Clinical Skin Care & Laser Center, New York
Finalist: In Your Own Skin Skin Therapy Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Finalist: Innovations MedSpa by Bill J. Johnson, MD, Dallas
Finalist: U. Boutique & Med Spa, Plano, Texas

Best Green Spa
Winner: Silken Tent, Glenview, Illinois
Finalist: Green Spa NY, New York
Finalist: Natural Body Spa and Shoppe, Ashburn, Virginia
Finalist: Natural Body Spa and Shoppe, West End, Washington, D.C.
Finalist: The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York

Best New Spa
Winner: Euro Med Spa, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Finalist: Avanti Day Resort, Manalapan, New Jersey
Finalist: facelogic Spa, Clovis, California
Finalist: Majure Skin Care and Wellness Center, Mt. Airy, North Carolina
Finalist: Silken Tent, Glenview, Illinois

 

 

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Pittsburgh’s Organic Day Spa invited to join the Green Spa Network

The Green Spa Network, the leading association of “organic” wellness institutions and spas in North America is pleased to welcome its newest Cultivator Spa – ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare & Spa, going green in Pittsburgh, PA.

“As an industry leader in greening that has undertaken an impressive agenda which they should be proud of, ESSpa Kozmetika is well-suited to join GSN at the Cultivator membership level and to work with us to bring planetary healing to the forefront of the spa industry. This level of membership is limited to 20 select spas and it is our sincere pleasure to welcome ESSpa Kozmetika as the third member of this group,” said GSN Board Director Michael Stusser. According to ESSpa Kozmetika Founder & CEO, Eva Sztupka-Kerschbaumer, “The decision to join the Green Spa Network was a logical way for us to share our primary mission to combine natural products made with organic ingredients with the traditional skincare that I learned in my native Hungary. We are honored to join the GSN and hope to assist this esteemed group make our industry stronger and more responsible.”

According to the GSN website, A Green spa is a center for healing, aesthetics and wellness where reducing the spa’s environmental footprint is a top priority. To be extended an invitation to join the Green Spa Network, a spa must prove that they not only “talk the talk” but that they “walk the walk” regarding its dedication to environmentally responsible, green practices.

What Constitutes a A Green Spa:
1. Strives to conserve energy and water resources.

2. Is committed to using materials that can be recycled, follows recycling practices, and is always looking for ways to minimize waste.

3. Utilizes natural and organic skin care products.

4. Believes that it has a responsibility to guests and to the planet to reduce exposure to toxic substances and to minimize hazardous waste generation.

5. Is open to learning and adopting new environmentally friendly strategies and techniques.

6. Shares its concern for the Earth’s well-being with guests.

Why should consumers seek out and expect to find when visiting a Green Spa?
1. Green spas naturally healthy – By limiting toxins in their skin care products and in their spa’s environment, green spas provide a healthier experience.

2. Green spas are more relaxing – By putting aside the stressors of modern life – including noise, pollution, toxins and waste – green spas are able to offer a more balanced and relaxing experience.

3. Green spa treatments are more effective – Synthetically derived skincare products may produce quick results, but they might also cause damage. Natural treatments are gentler and help ensure long-term health and beauty.

4. Green spas put the body in harmony with nature – Green spas are attuned to the rhythms of nature as well as the rhythms of the human body. When nature and body are in harmony humans feel healthier, stronger and more attractive.

“It is our goal to bring the time-honored traditions of Hungarian skincare and incorporate them into a contemporary holistic state,” said Mrs. Sztupka-Kerschbaumer. “Combining the ancient techniques of my Hungarian heritage with the environmentally responsible practices embodied by the Green Spa Network will allow ESSpa Kozmetika to educate a much wider audience about the benefits of organic-based spa treatments. I look forward to the challenge.”

ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare & Spa is located within an sustainably restored autobody garage built in 1917 in Aspinwall Borough, just 8 miles north of Downtown Pittsburgh. Eva and her team of Hungarian-trained professionals use only the finest and handmade products in facials, massages, body and nail treatments designed to go beyond mere relaxation and deliver better-looking, healthy skin. It is her belief that a trip to a spa should never be considered a luxury and that regular visits to ESSpa Kozmetika Skincare make great preventative medicine that should be routine for the entire family – even the kids.

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Local spa goes green

From the minute you walk into Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness a spa in Albany, you feel it. Owner Denise DuBois did something that is becoming more and more popular across the country. She decided to build her new day spa completely “green” from floor to ceiling.
“Our philosophy has always been about the wellness components. What better way to do that then to provide it in an environment that supports that as well,” DuBois said.

Her decision to go green started about two years. DuBois wanted to expand her current spa and ended up moving into the old Calico Corners building on Wolf Road. DuBois says she wanted to create a space that was eco-friendly the minute you drive in.

“The adhesives for the wallpaper. The grout for the tile. The paint choices are low VOC, the wallpaper is a low VOC. Every detail, the building supplies, what we could, we did use recyclable, renewable and sustainable materials,” said DuBois.

Local business goes green
It seems no matter where you turn, everyone is talking about Going Green. One day spa in the Capital Region is taking that challenge one face at a time. The owner of Complexions Spa for beauty and wellness tells us why she decided to go completely green while building her new business.

From the recycled tires used to make the flooring in the entrance way to the cork flooring being used in the glass-ceiling serenity room, you are getting a green experience. Another big part of the green initiative is the indoor air quality. Here it is controlled through five different zones, something DuBois says makes it much easier on people who have asthma. Also, some of the appliances installed, like the high efficiency front loading washing machines, were bought right here in the Capital Region.

So does it cost a lot of green to go green? DuBois isn’t saying exactly how much she spent, but does say it is a costly process.
With the help of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s new construction and Green Buildings Program, DuBois was able to secure over $30,000 in grant money to make it happen.

“The thing that is exciting about Complexions, they are setting the example for other spas. The way I understand it, Complexions is looked at among other spas that want to embrace these features and become green,” said Christopher Reohr, NYSERDA Senior Project Manager.
Dubois is looking to become an official green spa certified with the U.S. Green Building Council. She is also working toward LEED Gold Level Certification.

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